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Pasco County Library System Is Reducing Its Hours

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: March 13, 2009

DADE CITY - Faced with a staffing shortage, the manager of Pasco County's library system won approval this week to shorten hours across the county.

The cuts will close all of the county's seven libraries on Monday and limit each to 40 hours a week, even as demand for computers and other library services has grown.

The new schedule also would open every library at 10 a.m. and require each one to stay open until 8 p.m. once a week.

The new hours take effect April 6.

The changes are the beginning of what likely will be more drastic cuts to library services in the next year as the county sorts out a projected $30 million budget deficit, Libraries Director Linda Allen said.

The library system costs Pasco County about $7 million a year.

County commissioners lamented cutting library services that out-of-work residents may depend on for job-hunting or other research.

"Our libraries have been the shining star for our county," Commissioner Ann Hildebrand said.

Kevin Wiatrowski
Bruton Library Group Holds Big Book Sale

PLANT CITY - About 2,000 books will be available at low prices at an annual sale that helps programs at the municipal library.

The Friends of the Bruton Memorial Library's annual Big Book Sale on Saturday will include hardback books and larger trade paperbacks for $1, regular paperbacks for 50 cents and romance paperbacks three for $1. The Friends group puts the proceeds back into library programs, spokeswoman Bambi Mullinax said.

Many titles will be available in such categories as fiction, domestic, history, literature, psychology, sociology, biography, art, science and military. The Friends of Bruton Memorial organization has sponsored the book sales since 1991. The group typically holds two sales a year, including one at Christmas, Mullinax said.

The sale will be open to the public from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the library, 302 W. McLendon St. An early preview sale for members of the Friends will be from 9 to 10 a.m.

Cost of joining the Friends organization ranges from $5 for senior citizens to $15 for a family.

For information on the sale or the Friends of Bruton Memorial Library, call (813) 757-9215.

Dave Nicholson

Hospital Hosts Homecoming For Veterans

TAMPA - The James A. Haley Veterans' Hospital will host its second Welcome Home Celebration for Florida's active-duty military members and veterans who have returned from service in Iraq and Afghanistan.

The free event will be from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday at the University of South Florida's Sun Dome, 4202 E. Fowler Ave. The military members and their families will receive free health screenings, educational seminars, employment information, benefits and more. There will be free food and entertainment, prizes and giveaways.

Participants include employers and representatives from the James A. Haley Veterans Healthcare System, the Florida Department of Veterans Affairs, and the offices of Sen. Bill Nelson and U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor.

Lenora Lake

Event Teaches Healthful Living For Youths

TAMPA - Youngsters will learn about healthful living and making good choices Saturday at the 12th annual Nationwide Youth Symposium.

The event, sponsored by Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Inc., allows youngsters a way to talk about the challenges they face and learn about resources available to help them. It will include a discussion of peer pressure and information about HIV/AIDS.

Tampa's event will be from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the University of South Florida's Marshall Center, Room 2708, 4202 E. Fowler Ave.

For information about attending the event, call Valerie Poindexter at (352) 870-7342 or e-mail her at valerie@ghrhotampa.com.

Lenora Lake

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